April 12 Tree Planting Project to Help Restore English Landing Park in Parkville, Mo., in Celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day

(Kansas City, Kan., April 9, 2012) - Parkville, Mo., residents and city officials, along with local Girl Scouts and EPA Region 7 staff, will participate in a tree planting project April 12 at the city’s English Landing Park, which lost approximately 100 trees during last year’s flooding along the Missouri River.

Parkville Mayor Gerry Richardson, Parkville Mayor-elect Jim Brooks and Adam Zink, Chairman of Parkville’s Community Land and Recreation Board, will join in the April 12 event, which symbolizes the rebirth of the park and marks an early celebration of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 27) later in the month.

EPA is supporting the replanting of trees at this urban park because of the many benefits trees provide, such as helping to prevent erosion by anchoring soils and keeping excess sediment out of the Missouri River.

Public spaces along rivers and streams offer residents opportunities for community gatherings, recreation and activities that families and neighbors can enjoy together.

English Landing Park is a 68-acre facility featuring three miles of walking trails, a large playground area, boat ramp, picnic shelters, a disc-golf course, baseball and soccer fields. The park also hosts several annual community events, including Parkville Days, Taste of Parkville, Parktoberfest, July 4th fireworks display, Turkey Trot and Christmas on the River.

WHAT: Tree planting and remarks

WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. tree planting; remarks at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: English Landing Park, on the riverfront in Parkville, Mo. 64152

Throughout April, there will be a number of Earth Day and Arbor Day events taking place across the country, in which people can renew their commitment to improve the environment. Parkville’s tree planting project will help connect local residents to their waterways and support urban residents who depend on the park for recreation.